PERSUASIVE—Petty Officer Dalton Kotz is named the 2011 Navy Region West Naval Special Operations/Naval Special Warfare Recruiter of the Year. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers Since joining the U.S. Navy seven years ago, Petty Officer Dalton Kotz has served his country all over the world, from the tropical islands of the Philippines to the deserts of Afghanistan.

The hard work and great responsibility that are part of the job have contributed to an experience he cherishes.

“The Navy has given me the leadership positions that I wouldn’t have gotten if I hadn’t joined,” Kotz said. “It allows me to do spectacular things to shape the future. It gives somebody a chance to make a difference in the country and the world, and makes me very proud to be who I am.”

The 26-year-old’s passion for military service has translated well into his latest assignment as a Navy recruiter.

After a year on the job, in October 2011, Kotz was named Recruiter of the Year for a region that covers Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills.

The Conejo Valley-based recruiter signed up 25 young men and women for the Navy in 2011. He needed just seven contracts to qualify for the award.

Chief Mass Communications Specialist Anthony Briggs, public affairs officer for Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles, said Kotz is “one of our superstars.”

“Every day he goes out into one of our toughest markets and has done better than half of the recruiters in the country,” Briggs said. “He’s shown the work ethic we’re looking for and sets a high bar for other recruiters.”

Kotz explained that being based in a “wealthy area” with “good schools” creates competition for him: Young people are looking at four-year colleges, not the military.

However, recruits can do both. There are more than 150 colleges that offer ROTC programs, he said.

Kotz visits job fairs and covers five high schools in his region.

“ Starting off young gives high school seniors a chance to have a guaranteed job upon completion of graduation and go to college at the same time,” Kotz said.

The guarantee of work in a poor economy is what compels some to join, he said.

In addition to high school seniors, the recruiter courts candidates for nuclear engineering programs, special operations and the reserves.

“ I’m always out in the street building Navy awareness,” said Kotz, adding that military men and women are held in high regard in the area. “People come up to me and say, ‘ Thank you for your service.’”

The recruiter, who grew up in Livermore, Calif., said his biggest challenge is gaining the support of parents, who are at times indifferent or skeptical about their child joining the military.

Educational opportunities, as well as the promise of learning discipline and self-reliance are big draws for candidates, he said.

The key to his success, he said, has been to stay informed.

“Things change every day as a recruiter,” he said.

For example, as the U. S. pulls troops from the Middle East creating less demand for new recruits in all branches of the military, his focus has shifted.

“ They’re all reducing in size and going back to standard operating numbers,” Kotz said. “We’re looking for quality (candidates) over quantity.”

For more information about signing up for the Navy, contact Kotz at (805) 495-4112.